One arrest made while illegal "rave party" closed down

A 42-year-old man from Coffs Harbour was issued with a Criminal Infringement Notice for trespass as police and NSW Forestry officers shut down an illegal "rave party" at Ebor,

Concerned about illicit drug use, a joint operation by police frm both the Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command and New England Local Area Command along with NSW Forestry Rangers attended a property at Hyatts Flat, on Hardwood Road, Ebor.

The property, which adjoins Forestry Commission land on the Styx River, was hosting approximately 100 to 150 party-goers at the time police and rangers attended on Saturday afternoon.

Officers from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command are also investigating possible breaches of the Licensing legislation in conjunction with investigations by local councils.

Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Darren Jameson said concerns of illegal drug use were paramount in the police action taken at Ebor.

"With the number of recent tragic deaths and overdoses resulting from illicit drug use at these types of events, I cannot stress enough that prohibited drugs are not only illegal, but are highly dangerous and potentially life-threatening," Det Insp Jameson said.

"We are very happy to provide support to organisers who want to hold events in the area, but only if they seek appropriate approvals and do not put the community at risk."

"Any organisers of these types of events who are determined to flaunt the law will face the full-force of it from my officers."

During the operation, police allegedly identified several camping sites and amenities from the party on Forestry Commission land.

When police attempted to speak with the organisers of the party, they were denied entry and shown a handwritten note allegedly granting permission to hold the event from the land owner.

As police and forestry rangers began to clear the forestry land; organisers of the party moved all persons there onto the adjacent private property, telling party-goers that police could not stop them from holding the event.

Police made further inquiries and spoke with the land owner who immediately revoked their permission when they learnt that the purpose for hiring the property was for a large-scale commercial activity.

About 5.30pm, police issued demands to the organisers and patrons to shutdown the party. When this did not occur, police cut open locked gates to gain entry and shut down the event without further incident.

Senior police also authorised the use of a road block to turn around a large number of people attempting to attend the event.